The following photographs and information have been kindly sent by Lesley Ryle nee Moloney and features members of her family.
Along the bottom of the photo is written Sir John Forrest and party at the National Bank of Australasia, Malcolm WA. Sadly no date but (probably 1898-1900) On the right seated, is Peter Hill possibly the Mayor of Malcolm at the time this was taken. Standing up with the dark trousers and belt and half-mast tie is my Grandfather, David William STOCK. He was a councillor and then Mayor. He is second from the right with the hat on. David William STOCK was born 24/1/1873 in Ararat Vic. DOD 13/7/1942, Leonora, married the sister of Peter HILL, one Frances (Fanny) HILL in 1899, (DOD Feb 1912) Malcolm.
All six of David William Stock’s children were born in Malcolm, from May 1901 until Sept 1922. His son Malcolm, who is nearly 97 yrs old still has memories of the family. I hope to speak to him soon to hear the story about Peter Hill owning the first car in Leonora.
David William Stock
Early Malcolm – Western Mail, 27 July 1939, page 11
Dear “Non-com”
This is my first essay at writing to the Dolly Pot. I have been a constant reader of the W.M. for many years. I remember Arthur Burrows when he was with the Malcolm “Chronicle,” also Billy Boyd and Bobby Hirst. The brothers who owned the well at the top of Star street at the foot of the Warden’s Hill were named Woodman, and the tank makers name was Dick Currie. I believe Dick afterward had a store or a pub at Mertondale. The name of the sergeant of police was Brophy, now passed on. I met his widow and family in Perth in 1926.
D W Stock General Store Malcolm
I was in Malcolm when Peter Hill was elected as the first mayor of Malcolm. His only rival was a solicitor named Wainwright. What a night! Mr. Hewson, who was elected town clerk, was the local schoolmaster, and a few months after being appointed he became the father of twins. When he arrived at his office the following morning he found a flagpole to which was attached a black flag, with skull and crossbones!
Central Hotel Leonora, P Hill
Peter Hill outside the Central Hotel, Leonora
At that time Harry Day, of coaching fame, was mine host at Jessup’s Hotel. Peter Hill had the Malcolm Hotel, Fred Brewer the Exchange, and Dick Lancaster the Royal. Dick died suddenly and his son also Dick, took over the management. Later when a new pub was built at the top of Gem Street opposite the new post office, and only a few yards from the “Chronicle” printery, it was run by a Mr. Robbins. Lou Harris had a hairdressing and tobacco saloon. He was also the local bookie. Lou was running the Darling Range Hotel at Helena Vale in 1926.
Peter Hill’s,Malcolm Hotel
Paddy Hill was Peter’s brother. Wild McCarthy was groom to G. W. Hall. He earned the name of “Wild” on account of the way he used to drive a three in hand. Those three horses wanted driving, too. I have often seen the leader, a pony called ‘The Rat’, turn completely around and look at McCarthy, and then refuse to turn back and get moving. Then would commence a battle for mastery, but McCarthy always won. I am not going to say who the Mountain Devil was. He might still be alive and I am no fighter! From – THE ANZAC TOMMY, Roleystone.
Moya Sharp
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Hi Moya
Great to read all the bush stories. Thanks for all the effort you put in to make this possible.
Thought I would let you know Malcolm Stock will turn 98 on the 15th Oct 2018. He is still in his own home in a over 55’s village and still looking after himself.
cheers
Lesley Ryle (nee Moloney)
Hi Lesley, my name is Veronica
Peter Hill was Mum’s Grandfather
Have just returned from a trip to Leonora/Gwalia to find more about him, We didn’t know about Francis
Kath Hill was my Grandmother
Would love to get in touch, Moya has my details